Thursday, May 6, 2010

Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes with Mascarpone Whipped Cream Frosting

Sweet Valley High books started in 1983. I was 13 years old and made my mom buy countless books for me. Yeah, I've always been into chick lit and the RomCom. Anyway, in these novels, there is often the, as I call it, "electric moment." You know, when the girl sees the guy and it is electrifying. Or when their hands touch and she can feel the deep connection.

Well, I had that deep emotional connection. No, not with the Sweet Valley High guy, but with Mascarpone Whipped Cream Frosting.

We celebrated two birthdays at the library earlier this week and I made some mini cupcakes. The cupcake is Martha Stewart's One Bowl Chocolate cake with added espresso, and JustJenn's Mascarpone Whipped Cream Frosting.

The Mascarpone Frosting was divine. I'm not a fan of super sweet, buttery frosting, so this was heaven. It is light, slightly sweet and did I mention light? One of the birthday people said she could eat a whole bowl of the frosting. It is dangerous and delicious. Make it. You'll find that electric moment too.

Recipe:1. Martha Stewart's One-Bowl Chocolate Cupcake - Make the recipe here, but add 1 T instant espresso powder (I use this brand) to the warm water to dissolve. It isn't overpowering, but it brings out the chocolate flavor. I baked the mini cupcakes for 10 minutes.

2. justJENN recipe for Mascarpone Frosting. Make this. Save some for the cupcakes and grab a big spoon and eat the rest.

Ok so I am definitely saving this recipe. These are tiny and cute and sound delicious, esp the frosting. I just made some white chocolate mascarpone mousse last weekend and can appreciate how the cheese mellows out flavors.

Are those tiny little chocolate candies that you sprinkled on top? Adorable.

I used to read SVH as well!!!! My mom also bought me some of the books, but I mostly got them from the library since I don't like to re-read books (I know what is going to happen, and there are too many other great books out there!). Little did I know that these books contributed to my confusion about my feelings (or lack thereof) toward men...ahhh, subliminal heterosexual brainwashing. LOL! Nevertheless, I was crazy about those books and could read a book within 1-2 hours.

These cupcakes look amazing. That frosting looks so fluffy! I love the added chocolate candies on top. What are they?

Just another reason why I like you....SVH was the best series ever....12 years old, braces AND headgear, reading a Sweet Valley High book and dreaming of the day when I would wear a gold lavelier and drive a tiny red convertible around town.

Do you know how this frosting would hold up on a warm sunny day at the park? I'm making cupcakes for a friend's birthday party, but need something sturdy, not too sweet, and must have natural ingrediants... no shortening or gross stuff like that. :)

Dear JoAnna #45, I don't think this will hold up very well on a warm day. Because it has heavy cream and the mascarpone cream, it is best served from the fridge or just at room temp. It's not "sturdy" for the outdoors...I wouldn't use it, just to be on the safe side. Have fun at the party! - mary

@The Food LibrarianDo you think that these would be okay to frost the night before? I am looking for a lovely, light frosting to top some Guinness cupcakes, but I need to frost them at night to bring in the morning.